Replacing a long standing café (Gavin’s) on Bridge Street, the main shopping street in Westport, this new restaurant was opened by Irishman Pat Hughes and his Thai wife Nikki in December 2024. Filling a dining gap that Westport didn’t even know it had, it's providing an ideal tasty, reasonably priced destination for locals - and visitors will be thrilled to find authentic Thai food in the west of Ireland.
Nikki (Suppanika) is originally from Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand and, having met in the bright lights of Las Vegas, the couple moved to Westport a few years back. Nikki's cooking has earned a reputation in the area and A Thai - which is the fulfilment of a long held dream for them - has proved an instant success. Nikki has drawn on her cultural background and longstanding family recipes to make an appealing and accessible menu, creating a genuine taste of Thailand in the centre of Westport. Although it’s not a huge space, the restaurant is thoughtfully presented to make the most of it and, with its comfortable seating and clean, contemporary décor and light Thai influence, it's a pleasant place to be. Nikki is a confident chef, working swiftly and efficiently in the fast paced open kitchen, in full view of diners and, while the seating is mainly at tables, there are a few high stools beside the open kitchen, which are proving very popular.
The menu is quite short but appealing, with specials clipped on and smaller versions of dishes available at lunchtime. It is completely Thai, offering most of the familiar dishes that would be expected and a few extras. Starters include an Appetiser of the Week (chicken and vegetable dumplings on a bed of fresh bean sprouts, perhaps, served with á Thai’s delicious ginger soy dipping sauce) and an excellent version of fresh Spring Rolls. With a colourful stuffing (carrot, coriander, mint, chicken breast) in translucent wrappers and served with a piquant peanut dipping sauce, they look and taste delicious.
Being a Thai noodle bar it may seem compulsory on a first visit to order the Pad Thai, (pan fried rice noodle, bean sprouts, scallion, ground peanuts and egg with a choice of chicken, pork or tofu) and it is a lovely dish, and very tasty. Topped with grated carrot, coriander and a lime wedge (which when squeezed really makes the flavours pop) this is classic Pad Thai - no messing around with a much loved favourite. Another main to look out for is Ga Pow, (chopped pork, garlic, chilli and basil topped with a fried egg, served with jasmine rice) which is just finger licking good and very generous. It comes in two dishes, one with an attractive and flavoursome clear broth and the other with the rice, fresh vegetable garnish and the super tasty minced pork mixture, all topped with a perfectly cooked fried egg which complements everything else. An outstanding dish, it immediately became a hit and brings regulars back.
The drinks list includes wines but local beer will be the accompaniment of choice for many - Mescan Saison, for example, which is a perfect match for the spicy flavours - and for authenticity there is the Hakutsuru Chika Sake, which is served in a sealed cup.
There may be no dessert mentioned on the menu, but when you order the (very good) coffee you might be offered a Coconut ice cream from Krem Gelateria across the road, with nuts and coconut shavings - a light and appropriate ending to your meal.
Pat is the welcoming front of house face at this stylish noodle bar, heading up a young and enthusiastic serving team - and, together with the delicious food and pleasing surroundings, the hospitable service contributes a lot to making A Thai a particularly valued addition to this popular west Mayo town.
